Pompeii

REPRESENTATIONS OF POMPEII AND HERC OVER TIME

Neo- classical influence:

• Helped to inspire neo-classical movement- concentrated on the study and interpretation of ancient Greek and roman art.

• Pomp. And Herc. Both places to visit and subject of publications (Wickleman’s history of Art among the Ancient pub. In 1974 and Mazois “The ruins of Pompeii”)

Erotic and Macabre

• Sexual imagery of many artworks from Pomp. & Herc. Publications depicted more erotic aspects of life. Contemporary artist’s interpretation of Pompeii- semi naked women in public baths. Sometimes finds “staged”.

Romanticism

• Pomp and Herc: part of wealthy Brits and Americans “grand tour” of Europe.

• Charles Dickens and Mark Twain- published their impressions of Pomp.

• “Last days of Pompeii”- published by Edward Bulwer- Lytton

• Theophile Gautiers Arria Marcella- author infatuated with remais of young woman

Film

• Film: New form of artistic impression : 8 film versions made of Bulwer Lytons’ “Last Days of Pompeii”

• “Sword and sandals spectaculars made in Italy and the USA from the 1960s – 80s explored decadence and destruction of Pompeii and Herc.

Revival of Interest

• Due to renewed interest in history and conservation of World Heritage sites.

• BBC program Pompeii, broadcast in 2003- films take serious approach to archaeology and interpretation of sites- often use computer graphics to create visual representations

TIMELINE OF THE EXCAVATIONS IN POMPEII

• 1748: Rocco Gioacchino de Alcubierre locates spot where inscriptions were unearthed – believed it was Stabiae

• 1763: site identified as Pompeii- inscription mentioned “re publica pompeiannorum” (the state of the Pompeians). Next 20 yrs, excavations uncovered street Tombs, Temple Of Isis and a theatre.

• 1778: Francesco La Vega drew up first plan of site

• 1808- 1815: Francois Mazois supervised excavation team of 1500 men- forum uncovered, major houses...